The Last Mission of the Living (The Last Bastion #2)(56)

Dr. Curran’s eyes slightly narrowed. “We monitored the Inferi Boon. Her results differed from the others indicating she was returning to life.”

Trying to wrap his mind around the concept, Torran flicked his eyes back and forth, surveying the people before him. “You want to retrieve them, don’t you?”

“We believe that the cure to ISPV is in their veins,” Martel explained.

“A cure for all the Scrags? To like return them to life?”

“No, Master Seeker. Not quite. The Inferi Scourge already have the original virus in their veins. Therefore, they’re inoculated against the variant. There is no cure for them,” Dr. Curran said. “But we believe that we’ll be able to create an immunization shot that will allow humanity to walk among the… uh… Scrags… without fear of attack or infection.”

“Like the Boon did.” Torran wasn’t sure how he felt about this news. Something about the scenario made him uneasy.

“Yes, but they won’t be Boon,” Dr. Curran corrected. “They’ll be humans that are immune.”

Trevino leaned forward. “Think of it, Master Seeker. We could reclaim the world. Kill the Scrags without fear. Clean away the vestiges of the destroyed world and create a new civilization outside The Bastion.”

Though he’d never seen Scotland outside of vids, Torran instantly thought of his family being able to return home. “It would be amazing to be able to do so.”

“Under the umbrella of the primary mission, a secondary secret mission will be underway. You will seek out, find, and return Vanguard Maria Martinez and Castellan Reichardt,” Martel ordered.

Torran stared at the roster on the table to gather his thoughts. “What if they don’t wish to return?”

“Then you’ll place them under arrest and return them for desertion of their posts,” Trevino replied.

“Sir, we did try to kill the Inferi Boon,” Torran pointed out.

“Admiral Kirkpatrick did,” Martel said.

“Yes, but if the castellan hadn’t left the city and rescued the vanguard, she would be dead. And so would the hope of immunization.”

“What is your point?” Trevino asked, an edge in his voice.

“Couldn’t we just ask them for a blood sample? Let them be.”

“No,” Dr. Curran said simply. “We need them for testing.”

“Like… lab animals?”

“Are you questioning your orders?” Legatus Martel asked sharply.

“No, sir.” Torran sat back in his chair and tried to sort out his conflicting thoughts.

Trevino regarded Torran darkly. “Master Seeker, they’ll be treated with the greatest care. They’re a valuable asset to this city and to humanity. But they are also deserters, and when returned, will be incarcerated and tried for that crime.”

It took all of Torran’s willpower to point out that this sounded like a very convenient way to allow Dr. Curran to do her experiments. Yet, everything that was being said was true. Admiral Kirkpatrick had ordered the elimination of the Inferi Boon. The castellan and vanguard had abandoned their duties if they truly were still alive. And the possibility of finding a way to immunize humanity against ISPV was beyond exciting. The ramifications of such a discovery were astounding.

“We can depend on you,” Trevino said, but it wasn’t truly a question.

“Of course, sir. I’m just…”

“It’s a lot to absorb,” Dr. Curran interjected. “The couple being alive. The possibility of a cure. Retrieving the food stores.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Torran agreed.

Legatus Martel studied him for several long moments, then slightly nodded. “Tomorrow, we will have confirmation of the makeup of the final roster. Planning meetings will start tomorrow afternoon. The mission will launch next week, so be ready for long days as we prepare.”

“Yes, sir.”

“You’re dismissed.”

Torran could feel the eyes of the three on him as he stood, picked up his beret, and turned to the door. Walking out of the conference room, he swallowed down his trepidation and fear. If all that had been revealed was true, then maybe one day he’d be able to live in a free world far away from The Bastion.





Chapter 16


Torran was returning to his quarters when his wristlet chimed. Swiping the screen, he was pleased to see Lindsey was calling him. Her face popped onto the screen as soon as he answered.

“Where are you?” Her hair was damp and coiled on top of her head. Already, tendrils were escaping and curling along her jaw.

“On my way home. You?”

“SWD Facility. I had to run on a treadmill for an obscene amount of time. I just got out of the shower.”

Lifting his gaze, Torran surveyed the main edifices of the facility. They were made of white granite with imposing black windows. The sharp angles and wide swooping curves made them stand out against the black rectangular buildings that served as housing for the SWD personnel. Lindsey was probably located in the nearest one that was five floors high with a sharp roof that reminded him of a mast on an old ship.

“So you’re in Building C, right?”

“Right.”

“Okay, I’ll meet you at the quad near the obelisk.”